Prosecutor Colleen Barnett had argued that the crime scene did not match Melgar's story of a home invasion, and that she was motivated by a $500,000 life insurance policy.

"I would like to thank the jurors for their patience and attention throughout this long, difficult case," Barnett said in a statement released by the district attorney's office. "Jaime Melgar was by all accounts a wonderful man."

Defense attorney Mac Secrest put on an elaborate defense that included DNA experts and a former homicide investigator who outlined problems with the lead investigator.

The lead investigator, who was later fired for backdating a search warrant in a different murder case, also took the stand for the defense.

Jurors deliberated about 8 hours before handing down their verdict.

Neither the defense nor family answered questions as they left the courtroom.

Melgar maintained her innocence in the Dec. 22, 2012 killing, which occurred the day before the couple's 32nd wedding anniversary.

Friends discovered the couple in the home when they arrived the next day for an anniversary party.